Let’s talk fun!
Do you tend to take life too seriously? Do you allow time for fun and laughter in your busy schedule? At one point or another, you were likely told to “grow up” as a kid (or maybe even as an adult) – whether it was when you would act out or be goofy or whatever else didn’t suit the situation or someone’s expectations.
While it is important to be responsible, to think about what you do, and to honor the Lord and those around you, I think we often take the earthly command to grow up a little too far. We forsake fun and imagination because we think these are childish qualities.
In an effort to “act our age,” we sometimes forget how to have fun and dream. There’s a reason so many people hate the icebreaker question, “So, what do you like to do for fun?”
We often don’t know how to enjoy ourselves as we get older and enter into adulthood. But, the Bible encourages us to have a happy heart.
“And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15
There’s nothing wrong with having fun (unless your definition of fun has to do with sinning against God). Having fun and enjoying laughter are good for our mental health.
And, good mental health is not just the absence of a mental health disorder – it encompasses your overall well-being. Those who are mentally healthy possess the ability to have fun and laugh, they practice contentment, they allow balance in their life, they learn to be flexible, they have meaningful relationships, and they learn to adapt to stress.
But, all these things don’t happen all at once, and they don’t always happen all the time. Health is an ongoing effort and lesson, and it’s ok to struggle and have off days and difficult seasons. One of the best ways to reset is to let go a little and have fun.
What do you like to do for fun?
It can really be anything from reading a book, to mountain biking, to baking scones, to driving off-roading vehicles. How you have fun doesn’t have to look the same as how other people do.
If you’ve been out of practice of having fun for a while, you might not know what you like to do and enjoy. That’s ok! You can start anew.
Does something sound interesting? Maybe you’ve been wanting to try paddle-boarding at your local lake, or maybe you’re wondering what all the fuss over pickleball is all about. Try it out! It’s ok if you don’t end up loving this new activity. The great thing about hobbies and similar activities is that they’re just there for you to enjoy. You can put them down when you’re tired. You don’t have to be good at them. You just have to enjoy them. You’re never too old or too busy to have a little fun.
So, what do you like to do for fun? Let us know in the comments, and tell us if there’s something new you’re going to try! You might just inspire someone else to find what’s fun for them.
Are you looking for more ways to incorporate fun and play into your life? We’d love to invite you to come to one of our retreats! They’re full of time to relax, chances to figure out how you like to have fun, and opportunities to learn more about how you best rest and care for yourself. We can’t wait to see you there!
